Woodlice also known as Pill Bugs or Rolly Pollies, are little armored creatures. They might seem harmless, but they can cause trouble in our homes. Are you worried about them and want to know how to get rid of woodlice in the home naturally? Don’t worry, getting rid of woodlice is easier than you think. With some simple and natural tricks, you can keep your home woodlice-free without using harsh chemicals. Let’s explore how to evict these tiny woodlice from your home, naturally.
Best Ways To Get Rid Of Woodlice in The Home Naturally
There are many natural home remedies and prevention methods to get rid of woodlice in the home.
Natural Repellents For Woodlice
Below are some useful natural repellents to help you get rid of woodlice.
Bay Leaves
Place bay leaves as they repel woodlice because they have a special oil that makes it hard for woodlice to breathe, so they leave the area.
Mint Leaves
You can place fresh mint leaves in areas where woodlice is present. The leaves have a strong oil that bothers their skin, making them leave.
Citrus Peels
Citrus peels repel woodlice. Place orange or lemon peels where they are active to keep them away.
Lemon Juice
A solution of lemon juice and water can be sprayed to repel woodlice. Its acidity disrupts their outer shell and makes it hard for them to move and breathe.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices repel woodlice because they detest the fresh, mild scent and taste of cucumbers, which disrupts their sensory organs and drives them away.
Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon powder can also be used to repel woodlice. Its strong scent and taste irritate their sensitive senses which causes them to flee.
Vinegar & Water Solution
A solution of water and white vinegar can be sprayed to repel woodlice. Its acidity and strong smell disrupt their sense of smell and taste.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds repel woodlice because the caffeine and acids in coffee are harmful to their outer shell and breathing system.
CedarWood
Cedarwood repels woodlice because it contains oils that release a toxic gas that harms woodlice, causing them to leave the area.
Baits & Traps For Woodlice
Baits & traps are also very useful if you are looking for how to get rid of woodlice in the home naturally. You can easily make them in your home.
Potato Trap
It is a simple and effective way to get rid of woodlice. Cut a potato in half, place it cut-side down in the infested area, and woodlice will be drawn to the decaying food and moisture. Then, dispose of the potato and the trapped woodlice.
Damp Bread
Leave bread out to become damp and moldy. Woodlice are attracted to mold and moisture, making it a perfect food source for them. Place damp bread in areas where woodlice is present, like near rotting wood or damp soil, to lure them in.
Damp Newspaper
Simply make this trap by wetting a newspaper and placing it near woodlice. The woodlice are attracted to the dampness and hide in the paper. This makes them easy to dispose of.
Yeast Bait
Yeast bait is made by mixing yeast with a sweet substance like sugar or honey, which attracts woodlice. Pour it inside a container and place it near the woodlice activity area. Woodlice eat it and the yeast grows inside them, causing them to die.
Pitfall Traps
Just fill small containers with a sweet liquid bait like soy sauce or fruit juice, and place them in dark, damp areas like basements. Woodlice are drawn to the smell and taste, and once they fall in, they can’t climb out due to the slippery surface and depth of the trap.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are made by coating surfaces with honey or tree resin. Woodlice gets stuck and can’t move or escape. Place them near food sources where woodlice are most active, and the sticky surface will prevent them from crawling away.
Jar Traps
Fill small jars with decaying matter or bait, with a tiny entrance hole. Woodlice enters but can’t escape due to the slippery surface and jar shape. Place these traps in dark, damp areas like basements near walls or corners, to effectively capture woodlice.
Decaying Organic Matter
It is a simple bait made from rotting fruit or vegetables. Woodlice are attracted to the nutrients and moisture in this bait. Place the bait in areas where woodlice is present, such as near rotting wood or damp soil, to draw them in.
Essential Oils For Woodlice
Essential oils work great against woodlice. Their strong scent repels them. Here are some most powerful oils to get rid of woodlice in your home.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil helps keep woodlice away because its strong scent confuses them and makes them leave. The smell is too much for them to handle, so they get lost and can’t find their way around.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil dries out their skin and makes it hard for them to breathe. Woodlice need a damp environment, but eucalyptus oil makes it uncomfortable for them to stay, so they leave that area.
Tea Tree Oil
The strong antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil prevent them from breeding and multiplying. Woodlice thrive in damp environments, but tea tree oil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties make it difficult for them to survive and reproduce. This unique reason makes tea tree oil an effective natural solution for controlling woodlice infestations.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is very helpful in keeping woodlice away because its strong citrus smell confuses them. They use special signals to find food and friends, and the lemon oil scrambles those signals, making it hard for them to stay around.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil helps keep woodlice away because they don’t like its strong smell. Woodlice have a sensitive sense of smell and find the scent of peppermint unpleasant, so they avoid areas where it is present.
Other Useful Methods To Repel Woodlice
There are plenty of other methods too if you want to get rid of woodlice. If you keep your house clean and dry, they will go due to harsh atmospheric conditions as they require damp places to survive.
Regularly Cleaning The Area
Woodlice are mostly found in areas disposed to moisture like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Simply clean the house regularly especially these areas. This can help prevent woodlice infestations. You can also use a vacuum pump. Vacuuming and sweeping can remove food sources and hiding spots, making your home less comfortable for woodlice. Just keep it clean, keep them away.
Reducing Moisture
If you have any leaks in your house, fix them. Also, ensure good ventilation, to avoid woodlice infestations. You can also use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture. In this way, you can make your home woodlice-free. By controlling humidity, you can create an environment that’s not suitable for their survival, helping to prevent infestations.
Remove The Decaying Substances
Decaying organic matter is a treat for the woodlice. If you want to keep woodlice away from your home, just remove all the decaying substances like rotten fruits and vegetables, fallen leaves and branches, wood, or any other decaying matter. This will help a lot to get rid of woodlice as they eat these substances. Regularly clearing away organic matter can help reduce the possibility of woodlice infestations.
Conclusion
You can get rid of woodlice with these natural methods. Use repellents, make traps, and keep your home clean and dry. This will help remove woodlice and prevent them from coming back. A vinegar solution can also be used if you are looking for how to get rid of beetles. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help. Keep visiting styleofhome.com for more useful information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Attracts Woodlice To My Home?
Woodlice are attracted to moisture, humidity, and organic matter like decaying leaves and wood.
How Do I Get Rid Of Woodlice Naturally?
Use natural repellents like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and citrus essential oils. Create DIY traps with damp newspaper or cardboard. Keep your home clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
What is The Best Natural Repellent For Woodlice?
Cinnamon is a popular and effective natural repellent for woodlice.
How Do I Make a DIY Woodlice Trap?
No, woodlice are not harmful to humans or pets. They are simply a nuisance and can cause damage to wood and other materials.
Are Woodlice Harmful To Humans Or Pets?
Place damp newspaper or cardboard in areas where woodlice is present. They will be attracted to the moisture and hide in the paper or cardboard, making them easy to dispose of.
